ESPN acquires RedZone and NFL assets: Historic new agreement

ESPN Acquires NFL Assets: A New Era for American Football Fans

A groundbreaking agreement shakes the sports world. ESPN has reached a deal to acquire NFL Network and other media assets from the National Football League (NFL). This strategic move includes the linear rights to the popular RedZone channel, marking a milestone in the relationship between both entities. The NFL will get a 10% stake in ESPN as part of the deal. In addition, ESPN will integrate the NFL’s fantasy product into its existing platform, making ESPN Fantasy Football the official game of the NFL.

By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN’s reach and innovation, we are creating a premier destination for football fans. Together, ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans interact with the game, anytime and anywhere.

Jimmy Pitaro, President of ESPN

This strategic agreement also includes the licensing of NFL content and intellectual property to be shown on NFL Network and other platforms. NFL Network will be owned and operated by ESPN, which will control the network’s linear and digital rights. It will be integrated into ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming product and will continue to be available through traditional television providers. ESPN will expand its NFL coverage with the license of three additional games per season, totaling 28. NFL Network will continue to broadcast seven games per season, with some changes to ESPN’s original schedule. Details on the dates and matches have not yet been announced. ESPN will have extensive rights to RedZone, including the trademark, and will continue to distribute the channel to pay-TV operators. The NFL will continue to own, operate, and produce the RedZone channel, retaining digital distribution rights. The league will also maintain ownership and operation of some of its media businesses, including NFL Films and NFL.com.

Today’s announcement paves the way for the world’s leading sports media brand and the most popular sport in the United States to offer an even more compelling experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can.

Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company

Starting with the 2026 draft, Disney+ and Hulu will stream the ESPN, ABC, and ESPN Deportes draft presentations. All offerings will be available on the DTC service. ESPN and ABC will produce telecasts for rounds 1-3. ESPN will continue to broadcast rounds 4-7, with ABC simulcasting the network’s coverage. College GameDay and NFL Live will continue broadcasting from the draft, while ESPN Radio will continue with its live broadcast. ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, launching on August 21, will allow users to access the seven national linear ESPN networks, in addition to ESPN on ABC and various other streaming options. It is worth noting that ESPN is 80% owned by ABC, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, and 20% by Hearst. The agreements between ESPN and the NFL are subject to the approval of the NFL owners and government regulators.